Healthy Home

Indoor Air Quality Testing

Providing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing in Canton, Novi, Farmington Hills, Northville, Livonia, Ypsilanti, Westland, Dearborn Heights & Surrounding Areas

Assess indoor air for pollutants, allergens, and contaminants to ensure occupants' health and comfort. This includes sampling, analysis, and recommendations for improvement if issues are found. 

Our examination of air quality involves gauging the presence of particulates, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds in the surrounding air. Employing a precisely calibrated sensor, we conduct measurements outdoors, contrasting them with readings obtained from multiple areas within your home. In crafting a comprehensive assessment, we factor in variables such as the floor plan, HVAC system(s), environmental conditions, weather, and various other elements. 

This service presents a rapid and cost-effective means to screen for potential mold issues. We also advocate for its use in pinpointing specific sections of the home where the likelihood of mold growth is most pronounced. 

Regarding particulates, the substantial release of airborne mold spores during active mold growth significantly impacts particulate counts within a specific size range. Detecting heightened indoor particulate counts in this range enables us to narrow down suspected areas, sometimes to within a few yards. If particulate counts remain elevated, consideration of a comprehensive air mold test is warranted. 

As for carbon dioxide, the contemporary trend of constructing tightly sealed homes contributes to an escalation in indoor carbon dioxide levels, distinct from carbon monoxide. Elevated carbon dioxide levels are also prevalent in homes lacking proper garage ventilation. Excessive CO2 can manifest in symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, fatality.

Thermal Infrared Imaging

Providing Infrared Imaging in Canton, Novi, Farmington Hills, Northville, Livonia, Ypsilanti, Westland, Dearborn Heights & Surrounding Areas

Uses infrared technology to detect temperature variations. It helps identify issues like insulation problems, water leaks, and electrical hotspots by visualizing temperature differences, allowing for early problem detection and preventive maintenance.

We offer thermal imaging services as a valuable and advanced tool to enhance the accuracy and thoroughness of our inspections.

• Thermal imaging allows us to identify hidden issues not visible to the naked eye. Temperature variations captured by the thermal camera can reveal potential problems, such as water leaks, insulation gaps, or electrical issues behind walls or ceilings.
• Thermal imaging is effective in detecting moisture or water intrusion. Elevated moisture levels often result in temperature differences that can be identified through thermal imaging. This is crucial for identifying potential areas of water damage and preventing mold growth.
• Thermal imaging is widely used for electrical inspections to identify hotspots or anomalies in wiring and electrical components. Overheating in electrical systems can be a precursor to serious issues, including fire hazards. Thermal imaging helps inspectors pinpoint potential electrical problems early on.
• Thermal imaging is valuable for assessing the energy efficiency of a property. It identifies areas of heat loss or poor insulation, helping homeowners and buyers understand where improvements can be made to enhance energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
• Thermal imaging provides a visual representation of insulation effectiveness. Insulation gaps or areas with insufficient insulation can be easily identified, allowing inspectors to recommend improvements for better thermal performance and comfort.
• Thermal imaging helps us assess the performance of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. It can identify issues such as uneven heating or cooling, blockages in ductwork, or malfunctioning components by visualizing temperature variations.
• Moisture is a primary factor contributing to mold growth. By using thermal imaging to detect hidden water sources, inspectors can help prevent conditions favorable to mold development. This is particularly important for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing health issues.
• Thermal imaging expedites the problem-solving process during inspections. It provides us with immediate visual feedback, enabling us to address issues promptly and provide our clients with clear, actionable information.
• In the aftermath of disasters such as floods or storms, thermal imaging can quickly assess the extent of water damage and identify areas that require immediate attention. This is crucial for insurance claims and efficient restoration efforts.

With thermal imaging from NPI Wayne County NW, we add a layer of visual evidence to inspection reports, making findings more compelling and transparent for our clients. Including thermal imaging results provides our clients with a clear understanding of potential issues and recommended actions.

Mold Testing

Providing Mold Inspections & Testing in Canton, Novi, Farmington Hills, Northville, Livonia, Ypsilanti, Westland, Dearborn Heights & Surrounding Areas

Identify and assess the presence of mold, which can be harmful to health and property. It typically includes sampling, analysis, and recommendations for remediation if mold is detected. The focus of Airborne Mold Testing is on uncovering mold growth. This highly sensitive test plays a crucial role in identifying issues in a residence before they become visible. It entails evaluating the concentration of mold spores in the air.

The procedure involves outdoor sample collection, which serves as the baseline for comparison with various indoor samples strategically gathered throughout the home. Our laboratory partners analyze these samples, taking into account factors such as weather, air circulation within the home, floor plan, and the configuration of HVAC systems. This comprehensive approach aids in assessing the potential presence of hidden mold.

Our team, equipped with the latest sample collection methods, ensures accurate results. Similar to airborne mold testing, all samples undergo analysis by our trusted laboratory partners. Accredited AIHA laboratories analyze air mold samples. Mold cannot be definitively identified through visual observation alone; it requires sampling by a qualified mold tester and subsequent confirmation by an accredited mold laboratory.

Understanding Mold
The growth of mold relies on three key factors: nutrients, optimal temperature, and moisture. Your home, rich in organic materials like wood, drywall, and carpet, provides the nutrients mold needs. The temperature range is ideal, with moisture being the only controllable variable. Mold disperses invisible seeds, known as spores, present everywhere in the air, both indoors and outdoors.

Toxic molds, including the notorious "black" mold (Stachybotrys), have received extensive media coverage. Misinformation abounds in discussions about toxigenic mold, mold testing, and remediation.

National Property Inspections remains an impartial mold tester, steering clear of mold remediation services to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Upon completion of mold mitigation by a remediation contractor, we offer follow-up mold testing services.

Radon Testing

Providing Radon Testing in Canton, Novi, Farmington Hills, Northville, Livonia, Ypsilanti, Westland, Dearborn Heights & Surrounding Areas

Measure the presence of this radioactive gas, which can pose serious health risks. It typically includes the placement of detectors to monitor radon levels over a period, with recommendations for mitigation if levels are elevated.

Testing for Radon Gas
Prior to moving into a new residence, both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General strongly recommend testing for radon gas. Radon levels can significantly differ, even among homes in the same neighborhood. The State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy reports that 1 in every 4 Michigan homes has elevated radon levels. Often labeled the "silent killer," radon receives minimal attention, and many people lack awareness about its dangers. Surprisingly, it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the American Cancer Society. The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that radon contributes to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. 

Radon, a tasteless and odorless radioactive gas, is a natural by-product of decaying uranium in soil, rock, and water. It typically infiltrates homes through cracks, foundation holes, and can also enter through well water. The good news is that we can assess your radon gas levels. If results indicate elevated levels, the issue can be promptly and easily addressed. To maintain impartiality, we do not offer radon mitigation services. 

For our radon testing, we utilize commercial-grade continuous radon monitors, the most accurate technology available. Passive methods like charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, charcoal liquid scintillation devices, and electret ion chamber detectors are less precise and compromise safety, making them unsuitable for use by home inspectors.